Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
30 <br /> elimination of the present-use tax value requirement for VAD/EVAD <br /> participation. <br /> • Purchase and install additional road signs to better identify farms in the <br /> Voluntary Agricultural District Program (existing and new farms) <br /> • Continue the Orange County Agricultural Heritage Project to document <br /> and make a record of the County's farms and farmers, including oral <br /> histories and video/photo documentation <br /> What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the <br /> upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the <br /> Commissioners' attention? <br /> • Conflicting views of the what constitutes a "bona fide" farm as per state <br /> law versus having a federal Farm Number continue to cause confusion, <br /> both within the farm community and among planners and developers; the <br /> APB supports efforts by the BOCC and Planning staff to seek ways to j <br /> resolve this issue <br /> • Explore ways to educate farmers and prospective farmers about the many <br /> new agritourism opportunities that could be used to enhance and diversify <br /> farm income and bring visitors to farms <br /> • The APB plans to collaborate with the newly-formed Food Council on a <br /> range of initiatives to enhance local markets for farm products. <br /> • Continue to develop more effective methods for educating landowners <br /> about the Present Use Valuation program application rules and deadlines; <br /> some new owners! heirs of farmland do not realize that they must apply <br /> for Present Use status within the 60-day deadline after a land transfer has <br /> taken place as per state law <br /> r'¢ <br /> 4 <br />